While many were trying to find a way to put a pun to Jeremy Lin's name in the past couple weeks, the latest cliché culprit was establishing a strong foothold in sports at the start of the calendar year. It could be heard on just about every possible sport, but the NFL Scouting Combine and end-of-the-season runs for the NCAA Tournament have helped its proliferation.
The cliché in question? Any reference to "the eye test," "passing the eye test" or "the look test."
It's meant as a tip of the hat to the obvious, a statement that does not require convoluted collaboration or statistics. If something "passes the eye test," it's good on its own merits -- something that should not be overlooked. In terms of quality, what's being looked at belongs, no justification needed.
Unfortunately, because so many individuals and teams have been deemed as "passing the eye test" in recent weeks, those who pass the test have become a blur of brilliance as determined by play-by-play talents and color commentators.
In addition, amidst all those who supposedly qualify, others have implemented "pass the eye test" incorrectly.
Among the most worst offenders were the ESPN college basketball studio analysts who recently -- in just one example -- addressed the postseason men's basketball credentials of West Virginia. After stating that the Mountaineers "passed the eye test," the case for the team to make the NCAA Tournament was supported by a five-step on-screen graphic that recounted pieces of the team's resume.
But such supporting arguments are the exact opposite of "the eye test." Passing the test means how the team plays and what it does on the court clearly reflects it's merits and proves it's worthy of postseason play. Backing that up with statistics would be unnecessary if a team truly passes the test.
It would be best if the test were just tossed.
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